Sources: Raiders to release QB Geno Smith, barring trade

"In 15 starts, Smith threw for 3,025 yards, 19 touchdowns and 17 interceptions -- a league-high and the most he has thrown in a season since he threw 21 picks as a rookie for the New York Jets in 2013. Smith threw nine picks in the first five games of the 2025 season."

"Initially, the Raiders hoped that pairing Smith with former head coach Pete Carroll, whom he played under for six seasons with the Seattle Seahawks, would translate to immediate success. Their plan backfired."

"Smith battled inconsistent pass protection. He was sacked 55 times and pressured 194. Offensive coordinator Chip Kelly was fired after Week 11 and tight end Brock Bowers battled a knee injury during the first half of the season."

The Las Vegas Raiders are releasing quarterback Geno Smith, opening $8 million in salary cap space while taking on $18.5 million in dead money. Smith signed a two-year, $75 million extension after being traded from Seattle, earning $40 million in 2025 with full guarantees. The Raiders hoped pairing Smith with former head coach Pete Carroll would produce immediate success, but the plan failed. In 15 starts, Smith threw for 3,025 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 17 interceptions—a league-high. He was sacked 55 times and pressured 194 times, finishing 27th in QBR. The Raiders finished 3-14, securing the top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, and Carroll was fired.

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